Evert Captures Long-awaited Class Aaa Title

After missing her starting time for her singles final during last Tuesday's state tournament in Gainesville, then receiving a favorable ruling from the Florida High School Activities Association, Evert knocked off St. Petersburg Boca Ciega junior Cynthia Chafin, 7-6 (5-0), 6-0, Monday night at Azalea Lane Tennis Complex.

Evert, who swept both the Division 1 team singles and Division 1 individual singles titles for a second consecutive season, seized a 2-0 advantage against Chafin. Chafin, who qualified for the Class AAA state tournament on an individual basis, refused to crumble.

Chafin, serving well, chased down some two-handed Evert backhands and was serving for the first set, leading 6-5. A miss hit and double fault cost Chafin that critical game.

For Evert, her last high-school match was a long time coming.

After losing her first high-school doubles match in two years last Tuesday, Evert was told her individual singles match against Chafin would start at 2:15 p.m. Evert asked for a delay because of leg cramps. She was told she would play at 2:30, according to state tennis chairman Charlie Watkins.

Evert arrived at 3:05 -- 20 minutes past the 15-minute grace period. Evert tried to get someone to confirm that she had heard Watkins say 3 p.m. There were no witnesses to substantiate Evert's claim.